Payson Record Threatened By Tempe Star

The state high school home run record of 17 set by Hunter Walden last season might not hold up much longer.

At Desert Vista High School near Tempe, Thunder senior Corey Meyers -- the state career home run leader with 34 -- swatted his 16th round-tripper, tying him with Payson High School junior Bryan Zumbro for the second most home runs set in a prep season. Zumbro hit 16 last season.

Meyers has almost a full month of games to set, tie or erase Walden's mark.

Meyers' older brother, Casey, is a star hitter on the Arizona State University baseball team. His father, Clint, was a standout catcher for ASU and went on to play several years in the major leagues.

What's happeningThere's a lot of exciting events on the horizon for Rim country sports enthusiasts.

The Mogollon Golf Classic sponsored by the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce will be played May 24 at Chaparral Pines. In addition to a modified best-ball scramble, the format will include "hole in one," "longest drive," "closest to the pin," "inside the circle" and "longest putt" activities. Tournament director Will Diets promises it will be a fun-filled day. Call Janet Crane at the chamber (520) 474-4515 for more information.

The Mogollon Sporting Association's 1999 banquet will begin at 5 p.m. May 1 at the Mazatzal Casino. The banquet ticket fee of $50 per person includes a prime rib or chicken dinner, door prizes, auction and a raffle. A cash-bar will also be open for guests. Call Wayne Morgan at (520) 474-0440 for more information. The MSA also maintains a message phone at (520) 472-9794.

The Town Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a hike on the Horton Creek Trail April 22. The jaunt will take participants along an eight-mile round trail to where Horton Creek Spring bubbles out of the Rim. The trail is rated moderately difficult. Recreation Coordinator Beth Kreider says hikers should be in reasonably good physical condition to participate. Dan Basinski will serve as the hike guide and Jack Belmont of Plant Fair Nursery will go along as a wildlife and plant specialist. The fee is $10 per person which includes transportation to the trailhead and a light snack after the hike. Registration deadline is April 16. Call Kreider at 474-5242, ext. 272 for more information.

From the reservationOut at the Tonto Apache gymnasium, the tribe has a women's volleyball league under way that is proving to be quite a hit.

Six teams are participating in weekly play. Tonto Apache Market has dominated so far with a 21-3 record. Highline is second at 17-7 and Pennington third with 13-11 credentials.

The Tonto Apache team is hoping to reach the .500 mark after ending early season play 11-13. Parker Excavating (8-16) and D&D Construction (2-22) trail the league leaders.